Twin Cities Jewish Humor Fest

Celebrate Jewish comedy, humor and chutzpah in all its forms! Each year, the festival brings together thousands of people to enjoy some of the hottest local and national guest artists and comics who represent and reflect the diversity of Jewish culture and provide a Jewish humor lens on the world. It creates a space for laughter, healing, connection and joy in the middle of a Minnesota winter.

This year’s Fest features:

Laugh for the Health of It! – Participants in Sarah Routman’s unique Healthy Laughter Session will discover the history of Laughter Yoga and the science behind the many health benefits associated with the regular practice of purposeful playful laughter. Always interactive, this engaging, empowering and transformative experience is filled with fun and creative laughter games that will leave you in stitches. No need for yoga mats or special clothing. Come laugh, for the health of it! $10/Free to JCC Members. Ages 9+.  February 22, 1 – 2 pm, Sabes Center Minneapolis

Good Showbiz with Eli Leonard – Good Showbiz is a celebration of the spirit and vibrant history of Jewish showmanship. Hometown hero Eli Leonard (Adath Jeshurun Synagogue, Herzl Camp) hosts this immersive spectacle of theatrical tradition, embroidered with feats of physicality, musicality, comedy, and stagecraft, culminating in a rarely attempted dramatic monologue. While Good Showbiz is a funny theater show at its core, Leonard will make it abundantly clear in his hour that it is also, quite practically, a business. To be in the Showbiz audience is to participate in the vital work of bringing this show to life, and for this work, all participants will be fairly compensated. Elise Cole is the opener. $25. February 22, 7:30 – 9 pm, Sabes Center Minneapolis

Queer Comedy Night: Yenta! Live – Come together to celebrate queer Jewish joy! “Yenta! Live” live will feature Raye Schiller and Antonia Lassar as they make you laugh and cry and remember that you should call your mother. Slay. Oy Vey. This will be the first ever live recorded podcast episode of “Yenta!” and we will read your secrets submitted anonymously before the show! All are welcome. Stick around for schmoozing and nosh with the comedians. ASL interpreted.  $25. February 24, 8:00 – 10:30 pm, Capp Center, St. Paul

Laughter for All! – Come and laugh for no reason with an experienced wellness laughter leader – Mary Margaret Anderson!! Come as you are and take a moment to enjoy the amazing, joyful, goofy, fun side of YOUR brain. No need for yoga mats or outfits. And, well, lately you have been a little crabby. $10/Free to JCC Members. All ages.  February 25, 10 – 10:45 am, Sabes Center Minneapolis

Engage! An Afternoon of Jewish Learning and Culture – Antisemitism: A Laughing Matter?! – Comedians Eli Leonard and Matt Goldman will engage with Rabbi Debra Rappaport about the human need for laughter in and at the darkest moments, where the lines are between funny and offensive, and the use of verbal vs physical humor. This keynote is followed by breakout sessions with faculty including Noam Sienna, Earl Schwartz, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein, and more! $36. February 25, 1 – 4:30 pm, Capp Center, St. Paul